---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “When the Walls are Paper Thin” cc&d (v259) (the November/December 2015 issue) You can also order this 6"x9" issue as a paperback book:

Order this writing in the book from Smoke the cc&d July - Dec. 2015 collection book		get the 318 page July - Dec. 2015 cc&d magazine issue collection 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

When the walls are thin

Jay Frankston


When the walls are thin
you can hear the bed heaving
under the sex-laden mattress,
you can hear the neighbors arguing
in violet liquor tones
while the baby cries hysterically
in his cardboard crib.


When the walls are thin
you can feel the hunger of children
in Somalia, or Bosnia
or the ghettoes of L.A.
broken bones around the hearth
and a cold wind under the door.


When the walls are thin
everyone’s problems
become your own
a large wooden cross
over the bed
and a statue of Mary
on the night table.
You must learn to swim
or you drown.


When the walls are thin
you’d better be quiet
or the neighbors will hear you
writing your poetry
in the middle of the night.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...